Category: Lifestyle

Carscoops 

It doesn’t seem like long ago that the Ferrari 812 Superfast hit the market but the Italian car manufacturer has already started testing its replacement.

We caught our first glimpse of the new Ferrari in April 2022 before clearer images of a camouflaged prototype emerged in October. Ferrari is currently testing different mules adorned with parts from the V8-powered Roma. However, the car is noticeably larger than the Roma and the howl of the V12 is unmistakable.

Throughout this clip, the Ferrari engineer behind the wheel drives the prototype at the limits of adhesion, frequently kicking out the tail of the car but struggling to keep it under control at some stages.

Read: Ferrari 812 Competizione In Blue Proves Not All Prancing Horses Have To Be Red

Specifics about the V12 powering this prototype aren’t known. Ferrari’s simplest option would be to retain the current 6.5-liter mill and simply make some modifications to it, lifting horsepower and torque beyond the 819 hp of the 812 Competizione. As recently as 2021 there were reports circulating that suggested Ferrari would turbocharge its famed V12 to keep it alive for another generation but the engine of this prototype sounds very much like a naturally-aspirated engine.

If Ferrari does decide to advance the V12 through more than just internal upgrades, it will likely do so with the adoption of a hybrid system. Such a system could likely lift power to around the 900 hp mark, allowing the new car to slot nicely between the 819 hp 296 GTB and the flagship 986 hp SF90 Stradale.

Screenshot via Varryx

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The Points Guy 

If you’ve been looking for an affordable cruise vacation, you may have noticed a lot of last-minute cruise deals over the past few months for soon-to-depart sailings. But prices for cruises for this coming year and beyond remain relatively high at many lines — higher in some cases than they were in 2019, the last normal year for cruising. So how do you get the best cruise deal if you’re trying to book a cruise for next summer and beyond?

To start — don’t panic. Even if fares for the coming year don’t come down soon, you can find ways to save when booking a sea vacation.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

Below, we’ve assembled six of our top tips for finding a bargain on a cruise. These are travel hacks that can work any time — not just when fares are rising. Combine a few of these strategies, and you are sure to find the best cruise deals available on your next sailing.

Cruise during the off-season

You’ll pay less to sail on popular ships such as Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas during off-season months such as September, October and November. ROYAL CARIBBEAN

As is the case for resorts on land, the floating resorts that are cruise ships can be significantly less expensive during the “off-season” travel months of September, October and November.

These are months when kids are typically back in school and family travel drops off, resulting in diminished demand for many types of travel, including cruises.

In the Caribbean, it’s also hurricane season, which keeps some people away from both land resorts and cruise ships in the region.

Related: Read this before booking a cruise during hurricane season

In addition to the fall months, the off-season period for cruising generally includes parts of January and February, but it varies by region.

Traditionally, the summer months of June, July and August have been high season in many cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. The periods around major holidays — such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day — also are considered the busy season for cruising and bring higher prices.

Book early

It’s a growing truism of the cruise world: the earlier you book, the better price you’ll get.

Cruise lines often open departures for bookings with the lowest prices at which they want to sell the trips. Then, as the departures start filling up, they slowly raise prices on the remaining inventory.

To get the very best price on any particular sailing, your best bet in many cases is to book right when the sailing opens for sale. This means planning way in advance, as many cruise lines open their reservations for sailings two or even three years before departure.

Booking far in advance can pay off in more ways than one. One big advantage to booking ahead of time is that you’re far more likely to get the exact cabin type you want. On many ships, the least expensive cabins and most expensive suites often sell out first and quickly.

Related: How to pick the perfect cruise line for you

Worried you might miss out on a deal by booking a cruise super far in advance? Here’s the good news: if, for some reason, the cost of your cruise drops at a later date, you usually can get your fare reduced to match the lower price. This is often the case until the last few months before the sailing is set to begin, when the cruise enters what’s known as the “final payment” window. At that point, the fare you’ve paid is locked in.

Note that not all fare types allow for changes after booking to the fare you’ve paid. It’s important to read the fine print for the fare category you’re booking.

Book late

As noted above, cruise lines typically offer their lowest fare for any given sailing just after it opens for booking — often two or even three years before it’s scheduled to begin.

Generally, the fare then will only go up as the sailing date approaches. But in some cases, cruise lines will drop the price of a cruise significantly at the last minute. This can happen when the line finds itself with a lot of unsold cabins for a voyage.

If you’re flexible and can travel on short notice, you sometimes can find a last-minute deal for cruises where the line is scrambling to fill berths.

A key thing to know here is that last-minute discounting isn’t as common as it used to be. Cruise lines have become much more savvy about revenue management over the years.

You’ll also have to be flexible to take advantage of these deals. If you have a specific cabin type on a specific sailing on a specific ship that you’re eyeing for a vacation, you can’t count on it being available — especially not at a rock-bottom rate.

Sail on an older ship

RFares for older Royal Caribbean ships, such as the 2,191-passenger Jewel of the Seas, often are significantly less on a per-day basis than fares for newer Royal Caribbean vessels. ROYAL CARIBBEAN

At many big lines, you’ll find that the newest, most amenity-filled cruise ships sell at a premium price. Older ships come with a discount.

The older ships are, of course, older, and they sometimes don’t have quite as much to offer on board as the newer ships. But if you’re looking for a deal, they can bring great value.

Use a travel agent

Are you a go-it-alone type of traveler? We get it.

But even if you book all your land trips on your own, you might want to use a travel agent who is a specialist in cruises to book your next voyage.

One big reason for this is that cruise-selling travel agents often have access to lower bulk fares for sailings that are not available to the general public. Big travel agencies will block out large chunks of cabins on ships soon after they open for booking to lock in such group fares, then sell them over the coming months.

In addition to lower fares, cruise travel agents also sometimes throw in extra perks like onboard credit or amenities when you book through them.

Travel agents specializing in cruising also will be able to guide you through the many types of cabin categories on some cruise ships and steer you away from cabins to avoid. Plus, they’ll be there for you when things go wrong on a cruise.

Consider a repositioning cruise

Some of the best bargains in the cruise world are the voyages that cruise ships make as they reposition from one part of the world to another.

This is because cruise lines often have trouble selling these trips, which typically have somewhat oddball itineraries with very few port calls and lots of sea days. They also tend to be a bit longer than standard weekend getaways or weeklong voyages. They have to discount the trips to fill the ships as much as possible.

Related: The ultimate guide to repositioning cruises

Among the most common repositioning cruises you’ll see are sailings between the Caribbean and Europe in the spring as lines move ships to the Mediterranean for summer. Similarly, there’s always a wave of repositioning cruises between Europe and the Caribbean in the fall.

You’ll also find some repositioning cruises every year between the Caribbean and Alaska, and between the West Coast of the U.S. and Asia.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
15 ways cruisers waste money
12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
What to pack for your first cruise

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Carscoops 

Honda revealed today that the brand-new 2023 Accord will start at $28,390 ($27,295 + $1,095 destination charge) in the U.SA. That marks a modest $775 price increase over the base Accord’s price for the 2022 model year.

For that extra dough, buyers will get the 11th-generation Honda Accord LX model, which is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. It has been updated for 2023 to feature a better direct-injection system, cold-active catalyst, and more, which help it to make 192 hp (143 kW/195 PS) and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque.

More: 2023 Honda Accord Debuts With New Looks And A Techy Interior

The engine has been tuned more for smoothness than power, though, as has the CVT transmission. Inside, the LX gets a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.2-inch instrument screen, LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The EX builds from there and adds heated front seats, a one-touch power sliding moonroof, dual-zone climate control, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and the sound system gets upgraded to an eight-speaker system. It is the only other ICE-only model in the lineup, and prices for it start at $30,705 (dest. included).

2023 Honda Accord Pricing & EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

TrimDrivetrainMSRPMSRP w/ $1,095 Destination EPA City/Hwy/CombinedLX1.5T/CVT$27,295$28,39029 / 37 / 32EX1.5T/CVT$29.610$30,70529 / 37 / 32SportHybrid$31,895$32,99046 / 41 / 44EX-LHybrid$33,540$34,63551 / 44 / 48Sport-LHybrid$33,875$34,97046 / 41 / 44TouringHybrid$37,890$38,98546 / 41 / 44

Honda believes that more than 50 percent of the model’s sales will come from four hybrid trims in the 2023 Accord’s lineup. They are the Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and the Touring, and all benefit from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors that are mounted side-by-side. They provide the Accord with 204 hp (152 kW/207 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

The cheapest way to get into an Accord hybrid will be the Sport model, which starts at $32,990 (dest. included). It gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Berlina Black 19-inch alloy wheels with a machined face, and Honda’s largest-ever touchscreen. Standard on all hybrid Accords, the 12.3-inch infotainment screen gets a physical volume knob, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The Sport-L builds on the Sport trim and adds a memory function to the driver’s seat, a power passenger’s seat, as well as sportier styling accents, which includes a rear diffuser. Prices for that model start at $34,970 (dest. included). The EX-L, meanwhile, starts where the EX left off and adds front and rear parking sensors, leather seats, Pewter Grey 17-inch alloy wheels, and costs $34,635 (dest. included).

Finally, the Touring trim tops the lineup with Google built-in technology that allows owners to utilize Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play within the car’s infotainment system. It also comes with a three-year unlimited data plan, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, wireless smartphone charging, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability, heated rear seats, as well as heated and ventilated front seats.

Interested customers won’t have to wait long before they can check out the new sedan, because Honda says that the new 11th-generation Accord will start arriving in American dealerships this month.

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Well+Good 

Winter weather does frightful things to skin, often causing it to dry out and become prone to cracking, flaking, itching, and more—but that’s actually not the reason why I have dry hands this season. Sure, dry heat and icy temps contribute to my mitt’s lack of moisture, however, they’re merely a supporting act in the hydration heist that occurs on a daily basis.

As a ceramicist, I spend a lot of my free time sinking my hands into clay, a material that is surprisingly dehydrating. Just like the oil-balancing and acne-clearing mud masks you have sitting on your vanity, pottery does a fantastic job of sucking away grease and moisture—only my already supremely dry skin doesn’t need it. This often results in super-dry, rough, and itchy skin. On the worst days, it can sometimes look like my hands actually have dandruff. Big yikes.

When winter rolls around, it is a full-on fight to keep moisture locked into my thirsty paws. And, sometimes, no matter what I do, it feels like an impossible feat. That is until I decided to pick up one of my all-time favorite skin creams—Weleda’s Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream ($16)—and play around with a daily regimen that would actually revive my sad, raisin-like mitts.

The Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream dates all the way back to 1926 (that’s nearly 100 years of hydration!) and is a staple in many skin-care arsenals, including my own. As a long-time fan of Weleda, I actually can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a tube of this thick, lotion-like skin salve in my medicine cabinet. Formulated with plant-based ingredients, including rosemary, chamomile, and pansy extracts and sunflower and sweet almond oils, it’s a lifesaver for parched paws.

I love it because it has the effects of a buttery salve but glides on and absorbs like lotion, so you don’t have an oil slick sitting on top of your skin (and getting all over everything.) The fast-action formula also works almost instantly to replenish my skin’s moisture barrier and ward off the itchy sensations I experience on my knuckles at their driest.

My dry-hands solution

While I’m a big fan of the Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream as a solo act, there’s actually a trick to how I apply it to elevate the formula and make it even more effective. Every night before bed, I wash my hands with soap and water and apply either Pacifica’s Lavender Moon Body Scrub ($13) or Hand in Hand Sugar Scrub ($13). (If my hands are in extra dehydration-despair, I reach for Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub ($21) which works through severe dry skin build-up with ease.) Then, I reach for Skin Food and slather it all over, paying close attention to my knuckles and nail beds since those areas need the most TLC.

As everyday scrubs, Pacifica Lavender Moon Body Scrub and Hand in Hand Sugar Scrub both work wonders. Pacifica’s formula features teeny tiny walnut shell particles that gently and thoroughly slough away dead skin cells to reveal softer and more supple skin underneath. It also contains jojoba seed oil, which provides a base layer of nourishment before the Skin Food gets slathered on.

Hand in Hand is a sustainable scrub I keep in my shower at all times and love it for head-to-toe exfoliation, especially when it comes to my hands. The scrub has a sugar base with deeply nourishing sunflower oil—which has tons of vitamin E—and coconut oils, so it also makes for an excellent primer in addition to getting rid of dead skin build-up.

Since my skin gets so dry, it’s nearly impossible to get cream to penetrate deep enough for lasting hydration on its own. Exfoliating the skin is a necessary step in my dry hands solution, as it removes the layer of dead skin on top and allows for better product absorption and longer-lasting moisture. However, the skin on my hands can also feel super sensitive due to the lack of moisture and consistent irritation. Exfoliating it could technically result in further irritation, only it doesn’t, since the Pacifica and Hand in Hand body scrubs have such nourishing formulas.

Establishing this mini skin-care regimen for my hands has worked true wonders and helps me keep dry skin at bay, no matter how much time I spend getting my hands dirty in clay. By gently removing the barrier of dry skin on my hands’ surface and applying a thick and creamy salve (one people have sworn by for nearly a century, no less), I can create my art without the added discomfort of dehydration.

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.

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Carscoops 

SsangYong Motor will change its name to KG Mobility, as the automaker is coming out of a long period of financial difficulties leading to its recent bankruptcy. The decision was taken by KG Group which owns the majority stake in Ssangyong.

As reported by the Korea Herald, the announcement was made during an event held by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. In order for SsangYong Motor to officially become KG Mobility, the new name needs to be approved by the general shareholders meeting this March, something that is considered a given.

Read: All-New SsangYong Torres Debuts In Korea With Rugged Looks, $21K Starting Price

This official sketch shows the all-new SsangYong Torres with the first-gen Musso (1993-2005) and the second-gen Korando (1996-2006)

KG Group, a Korean company specializing in steel and chemicals, acquired a 61.86% stake in SsangYong Motors last August after the automaker went into receivership. The goal of the new name which will be combined with a redesigned logo and a new corporate identity is to leave the past behind and start a new era for the company. It is also a sign that the new owner wants to transform the company into a mobility brand.

Kwak Jea-sun, KG Group Chairman said that the name change was “an extremely difficult decision”, but in the end, they opted for a complete overhaul instead of taking the easy road to keep the SsangYong and dropping the Motor from the old name. Kwak said: “The name – SsangYong Motor – has a fandom with good memories, but it also has a painful image. From now, all SsangYong cars will come out to the world under the name of KG. Even with the name change, SsangYong Motor’s history will not change”.

The SsangYong Rexton is the flagship offering of company

This is not the first name change in the long history of the oldest Korean automaker. Dong-hwan Motor was founded in 1954, and in 1963 merged with Dongbang Motor to create the Ha Dong-hwan Motor Corporation. In 1977, the company was renamed to Dong-A Motor and in 1984 it was acquired by Keohwa. In 1986 it was bought by SsangYong Business Group and got its final SsangYong Motor name in 1988, retaining it for the next 35 years. Over this period, SsangYong Motor passed under the control of Daewoo Group, SAIC, and Mahindra who was the last owner before the bankruptcy, following a long search for buyers and a failed takeover by Edison Motors.

It remains to be seen how the KG Mobility era will affect the design of SsangYong Motor’s SUV models. The current lineup includes the Tivoli, XLV, Korando, Rexton, and Musso pickup, alongside the all-new Torres that debuted in 2022 as the last SUV with the SsangYong badge.

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Carscoops 

A few hours after Volkswagen previewed its first fully electric sedan with a special camouflage wrap at CES, Las Vegas, our spy photographers nabbed a new prototype of the VW ID.7 during winter testing in Europe.

While we had seen ID.7 prototypes – previously known as Aero B – in black and white liveries, this is the first appearance of the EV in grey, which looks like the Moonstone Grey shade from VW’s color palette. The sedan retains subtle camouflage on the front and rear ends, but the majority of its body panels are fully uncovered.

Read: 2024 VW ID.7 Electric Sedan Comes To CES With Up To 435-Mile Range

The new spy shots show us more skin than the official preview at CES. We get to see the entirety of the profile, revealing the shape of the greenhouse and the flowing character line that rises above the wheel arches. We can also see semi-flush door handles and pronounced side sills, while the alloy wheels are different from the ones at CES.

At the front, VW keeps trying to trick us by making the EV look like an ICE-powered sedan from a distance, thanks to the black stickers resembling a faux grille and bumper intakes. They also altered the shape of the LED headlights to mimic the Passat, although the clamshell bonnet, the proportions, and the aerodynamic silhouette show that this is a model from the ID series. At the back, the only pieces of camouflage are applied on the taillight graphics and on the diffuser, shaped like faux exhaust pipes. Thankfully the latter won’t make it in the final production vehicle.

VW gave us a detailed look at the ID.7’s interior at CES. The new 15-inch infotainment touchscreen will feature illuminated sliders at the bottom for controlling the temperature and the volume. Other tech features include the digital instrument cluster, the augmented reality head-up display, and a fancy air conditioning system with “Smart Air Vents” sending hot or cold air to specific areas inside the cabin.

The automaker confirmed that the ID.7 rides on the updated MEB+ architecture, allowing an estimated range of up to 700 km (435 miles) on a simulated WLTP cycle. We also know its wheelbase measures 116.9 inches (2,969 mm) long, promising a spacious cabin.

The new VW ID.7 sedan is expected to debut in the second quarter of 2023, with a wagon bodystyle rumored to follow in the future. The EV will be available in Europe, China, and North America, which are Volkswagen’s strongest markets.

Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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Well+Good 

Grocery stores seem to have reached a new level of fandom in recent years, but none have star power quite like Trader Joe’s. Whether you go for the affordable prices, stellar nut butter selection, skin care products, or friendly, Hawaiian shirt-clad crew members, TJ’s is always buzzing with customers and exciting new products.

While some of our all-time favorite items to shop at Trader Joe’s are their seasonal options (Gluten-Free Pumpkin Coffee Cake, anyone?), nothing quite beats the simple, nourishing staples that we can’t go a week without buying.

Speaking of which, know that Trader Joe’s is an especially great destination for those who enjoy daily or at least regular smoothies. While we’ve all seen plenty of $20 celebrity smoothie recipes on social media, shopping at Trader Joe’s helps us save money on our smoothie habit instead of hemorrhaging it. Read on to discover the top Trader Joe’s smoothie ingredients that will help ensure that your morning or post-workout smoothie is as delicious, nutrient-rich, and affordable as possible.

1. Organic Seeds

Enhancing your smoothie with seeds such as chia, flax, and hemp is a great way to up the omega-3, protein, fiber, vitamin, and mineral content, plus it also brings some more longevity-boosting antioxidants to your blender. Trader Joe’s is a top place to stock up on these often pricey products as you’ll likely be able to find organic versions for cheaper than the conventional stuff at your local health food store. Pro tip: Make sure to add more liquid if you’re trying them out in your go-to recipe to keep it from getting overly thick.

2. Wild Blueberries

Berries have long been heralded for their antioxidant and fiber content, but wild blueberries seem to take top prize for helping us stave off inflammation. They offer 33 percent more anthocyanin, the powerful antioxidant responsible for giving berries their vibrant colors, than traditional blueberries and have a punchier, tangier taste to boot. Trader Joe’s sells them in the frozen section for an impressive $3.49 per 12-ounce bag for boosting the flavor, texture, and nutrient density of your morning smoothie.

3. Frozen Acai Packets

We love an acai bowl as much as the next person, but not all the added sugar that goes into the base at some of the local juice spots. (Some acai outposts actually use “sorbet” or sugar-laden powders instead of the pure frozen fruit.) Thankfully, TJ’s has us covered with packets of organic, unsweetened acai puree in the freezer aisle. A 14-ounce bag of four acai puree pouches will set you back just $4.49. Simply blend two packets with a banana, milk of choice and any favorite powders and you have a cost-effective, nutritious base for creating a colorful bowl of goodness.

4. Yogurt

Whether you prefer a fat-free Greek, a full-fat European style, or a non-dairy yogurt, Trader Joe’s has plenty of options for every smoothie lover. Prices start at just 99 cents for five-ounce containers of yogurt and there are plenty of affordable organic options as well. Using yogurt—particularly Greek and Skyr—will up the protein content and creaminess of your morning smoothies without having to rely on expensive powders that often come with strange aftertastes. Plus, yogurt offers a host of health benefits, including boosting your gut, heart, and bone health.

5. Nut Butters

If you’ve ever been burned by a $15 price tag when buying a jar of almond butter, you know all too well that this stuff can get pricey—but not when you buy it at Trader Joe’s. From classic crunchy peanut butter to creamy cashew, TJ’s has a pretty impressive range of nut butter options for whatever you’re craving. We especially love the brand’s creamy raw almond butter which sets you back less than $6.50 per jar, and you can find the regular stuff for $4.49—less than half of what most other generic store brands offer. Adding a big spoonful of your go-to nut butter will not only add creaminess and delicious flavor, but you’ll enjoy a boost of healthy fat, protein, fiber, plus an array of vitamins and minerals depending on which nut you choose.

6. Organic Spices

Adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to morning smoothies is a great way to sneak in some longevity-boosting goodness without having to have a roster of expensive functional foods and powders. Spices are one of the most polyphenol-rich foods in the world, helping to fight free radicals, stave off inflammation, and even protect the health of our brains. You can shop organic versions at Trader Joe’s for around $2 per jar.

7. Bananas

Bananas offer an electrolyte boost from potassium and magnesium, plus they’re a good source of vitamin B6, and they feature prebiotic fiber to support a healthy gut. Plus, the magnesium and tryptophan content can help support restorative sleep patterns. Trader Joe’s is famous for offering incredible deals on the fruit, often selling them for as little as 19 cents per pound, so stock up on your next trip, and slice up several for the freezer to ensure extra-creamy smoothies and that no banana goes unused before it turns black.

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Carscoops 

The regular Mercedes GLC crossover is the company’s best-selling model worldwide, and last June Merc revealed an all-new version incorporating most of the features and upgrades made to its C-Class sedan cousin.

But it hasn’t forgotten about buyers who can’t see themselves in either a C-Class or GLC SUV. To keep that group happy the fastback GLC Coupe returns this year, and these pictures show it in the final stages of its test program.

The test team has stripped away a little of the disguise confirming that the front-end changes mirror those of its more practical brother. The old car’s headlight and grille were separated by body color plastics but on the new one, the more angular light units bleed into a grille again featuring miniature stars as a background rather than horizontal bars.

The Coupe will have the same 113.7-in (2,888 mm) wheelbase as the upright GLC, which means it gains 0.6-in (15 mm) of metal between the wheels versus the outgoing Coupe to provide more legroom in a cabin that gains the latest Mercedes dashboard design and 11.9-in infotainment screen first seen on the S-Class back in 2019.

Related: New 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC Takes Two Steps Forward And No Steps Back

But being the Coupe variant, this car has a sloping fastback tail that is sure to reduce headroom and luggage space versus the stock GLC SUV. This prototype is still wearing plenty of disguise at the rear but we can expect the lights to look similar to those on the squareback version, and stretch right across the back of the car.

Under-hood options will mirror those of the plain GLC, so don’t expect to see anything but four-cylinder engines on the menu, even in the AMG 63 variant that will be along later. That’s destined to get the same 671-hp 2.0-liter PHEV drivetrain recently launched in the C 63 sedan and wagon, while the more prosaic GLC 300 model that will take the lion’s share of North American sales will rely on a 255 hp (258 PS) 2.0-liter mild-hybrid motor with the option of 4Matic all-wheel drive.

European buyers should also get to choose some less powerful engines from the main GLC line, including a 201 hp (204 PS) inline-four in the GLC 200, a 194 hp (197 PS) diesel in the GLC 220d and a PHEV with up to 62 miles (100 km) of electric range.

Image Credits: Baldauf for CarScoops

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Well+Good 

Starting a gym routine can be intimidating, especially if you can’t afford personal training or have little experience working out. Everyone else might seem to know what they’re doing, which machines to go to, how to use them, and how much time to spend on them. But when you’re a newbie, where do you begin?

“Start with 20 minutes on a cardio machine and five to six strength machines,” suggests Stephanie Thomas, an ACE-certified personal trainer and the creator of Bride Groups: 90 Day Wedding Sculpt.

Here, she breaks down the best machines to use at the gym for beginners to start with for both cardio and strength, and how you should go about using them. Although most are fairly intuitive, she says that you should always ask a trainer or staff member for guidance if you have any questions: “They will be happy to show you how to use it and this will ensure you are staying safe!”

And remember: Always wipe down each machine after you’ve used it.

The best beginner-friendly cardio machines

Treadmill

Thomas says that the treadmill is a straightforward way to start a low-impact cardio workout—we already know how to walk, so no specific training is needed.

“Stand on the side rails of the machine and hold onto the side handles before turning it on. The display will be different on various models, but simply start the machine and select a low speed,” says Thomas. “Also, note where the stop button is so you are prepared to stop the machine when you want to complete the workout. Once your speed is set, start walking on the treadmill belt. I suggest starting at a normal walking pace and increasing the incline to increase the heart rate.”

Thomas suggests that beginners start with a 20-minute workout. Warm up with a brisk walk for 5 minutes and then gradually increase your speed and incline as feels comfortable based on your fitness level. After 15 minutes or so, decrease the speed and incline and finish with one or two minutes of easy walking to cool down.

Elliptical

“This machine is great for beginners because it’s low impact, easy-to-use, and works your entire body. You can use it for a longer, full-body cardio session, or simply as your warm-up before a strength workout,” says Thomas. “It’s likely that the elliptical will have step-by-step instructions on the front console. Step onto the machine, turn on the monitor, start pedaling by pushing the pedals in a forward motion.”

She suggests setting the resistance to whatever level feels best for you—manageable and not too hard at first, or you can select a program to begin.

“Stay upright and don’t lean too far forward or backward while pedaling,” she says. “When you are ready to complete the workout, make sure the machine has come to a complete stop before stepping off.”

A good beginner-friendly 20-minute elliptical workout Thomas suggests is to start with a low resistance warmup for about 5 minutes. Then, try increasing the resistance to a difficult intensity for two minutes, and then go back down to a moderate resistance for two minutes. Repeat this until you’ve reached 20 minutes. End with a one- or two-minute cooldown.

Stationary bike

When you walk through the selection of cardio equipment at most gyms, you are likely to see a handful of different types of exercise bikes. There might be traditional upright stationary bikes, indoor cycling bikes (commonly referred to as spin bikes), Airdyne or fan-resistance bikes, and recumbent bikes. Any of these can be a great cardio machine for beginners.

“The hardest part is adjusting the seat,” says Thomas. But once you’ve done that, “all you have to do is hop on, set the resistance, and spin!” (If you are unsure of how to properly adjust the bike, ask a staff member to show you.)

For a 20-minute bike workout for beginners, Thomas recommends warming up at a low intensity for five minutes. Then, increase the intensity for two minutes, and go back to a moderate resistance for three minutes. Repeat this pattern until you’ve reached about 20 minutes. End with a one- or two-minute cooldown.

The best beginner-friendly strength machines

Whenever you’re trying a new strength machine, Thomas suggests reading the instructions and info on what muscles you will be targeting first. Start with only a small amount of resistance, then adjust it to what feels comfortably challenging to you. “You will know you’ve selected the right weight when you can complete the full range of motion of the exercise but still feel somewhat challenged,” she says. “The last one to three reps should feel especially challenging but you should still be able to complete them with proper form,”

Also: Make sure you’re breathing deeply throughout the exercise, she says. “A good rule of thumb is to exhale when you lift the weights and inhale as you lower the weights.”

Chest press machine

Thomas recommends beginners try using this weight machine rather than free weights because it makes it easy to have good form. This machine primarily targets the muscles of your chest, but also the biceps and triceps.

“When you’re just getting started, this is a safer option than the bench press (which works the same muscles). Plus, it encourages a full range of motion so you can get the most out of the exercise,” explains Thomas. “Complete 10 to 15 reps, rest for 60 to 90 seconds. Repeat three times.”

Seated leg extension machine

This one targets the quadriceps in the front of the thighs. “It’s low-impact and great for strengthening the muscles in the legs,” says Thomas. She suggests doing 10 to 15 reps, and then resting 60 to 90 seconds before trying one or two more sets.

Shoulder press machine

“This machine allows you to experience the benefits of a shoulder press but without the core stability and balance you need with a dumbbell or barbell shoulder press,” says Thomas. “It focuses on working the shoulder muscles and, just like all strength machines, it helps you learn the correct form of the exercise.”

For beginners, she recommends completing 10 to 15 reps, resting for 60 to 90 seconds, and completing two or three sets.

Seated leg curl machine

“This is a similar machine to the seated leg extension, but it targets the hamstrings (on the backs of your thighs),” says Thomas. “For a balanced leg workout, beginners will want to include both the leg extension and the leg curl machines in their workouts.” She suggests doing 10 to 15 reps, and then resting 60 to 90 seconds before trying one or two more sets.

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Carscoops 

We experienced Harman’s Ready Care technology at the North American International Auto Show last year, and now they’re using CES to announce a handful of interesting developments.

The biggest change is an expanded sensor suite that includes “in-cabin radar sensor solutions.”  While that’s a bit vague, the new sensors allow for contactless measurement of vital signs including the driver’s heart rate, breathing rate, and inter-beat levels to determine their “state of well-being.”  It builds on the earlier version, which was equipped with a camera that used remote photoplethysmography to detect the driver’s vital signs.

Also: We Tried Out Harman’s Ready Care Technology That Helps You Drive Smarter And Safer

The additional sensors also provide new functionality as the system now has child presence detection.  This can remind parents not to forget their kids in the car, which can save lives as 23 children died of vehicular heatstroke in the United States in 2021.

As a brief refresher, Ready Care monitors a driver’s eyes, cognitive load, and vitals to determine their level of focus and attention to the road ahead.  It then provides personalized responses to help mitigate dangerous driving behaviors.  More interestingly, Harman noted the system is fully road-ready and will see production within the next three months.

Speaking of safety, Harman used CES to unveil a sound and vibration sensor as well as an external microphone for cars. These are designed to allow vehicles to identify emergency vehicle sirens as well as detect glass breakage and vehicle impacts.  These are useful additions as they could alert autonomous vehicles about nearby emergency vehicles and enable owners to control their vehicle with their voice.

In other news, Harman unveiled a Ready Vision augmented reality head-up display.  It will initially be available in two configurations with 12˚ x 4˚ and 15˚ x 5˚ field of views.

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